POZNAN, Poland (AP) — Could the world solve part of its climate crisis by simply burying the problem?

Backers say carbon capture and storage could make an important contribution to cutting emissions by mid-century. The idea involves capturing carbon dioxide as power stations spew it out, then pumping it into empty gas and oil wells or aquifers, where it will remain forever.

But, as delegates from some 190 countries meet in Poland to begin thrashing out a new global climate change treaty, environmentalists are divided.

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Some see the still-unproven and expensive technology as a distraction from renewable energy; others say it deserves a chance because dirty and cheap coal-fired power isn't about to disappear.

The top U.N. climate official, Yvo de Boer, said he believes it will be "critical" for countries such as China and India to use coal as they expand their economies and fight poverty.